BRITONS were last night warned to use water wisely with the country on course for the driest July since records began.

The glorious heatwave currently hitting Britain has led to fears of water shortages

Virtually no rain for weeks has led some river levels to drop as the UK becomes parched in the heatwave.

And with no significant showers expected for weeks, the Met Office says his month could beat the record set in 1955 when only an inch (30mm) fell n the driest July since 1766.

Sarah Holland of the Met Office said: "Early figures show it has been warmer, drier and sunnier than usual.

"We have had 9mm of rain in the UK and 4mm in England, that is well below average for the time of year. Although it is too early to say definitely, we could be looking at the driest July on record.”

The weather is expected to continue for weeks

Reservoirs and groundwater levels are healthy but the Environment Agency has urged consumers to “use water wisely”.

Head of water resources Trevor Bishop said: “Last year’s exceptionally wet summer and autumn has left us in a fairly good position, with most rivers, reservoirs and underground water stores around normal for the time of year.

“Some river levels are dropping as a result of the hot, dry spell.

“We would urge everyone to continue to use water wisely, to protect water supplies and the environment.”

Water firms said there are no plans to bring in hosepipe bans.

This could be the driest month since July 1766

However, the very warm weather has sparked a 15 per cent rise in demand for tap water in London and the South-east.

Thames Water’s nine million customers have been using 400 million litres a day on top of the usual 2.6 billion litres.

Spokesman for the company Jerry White said: “While we are a million miles away from a drought, our treatment works are being cranked up a notch to keep pace with the spikes in demand.”

News of rising water demand comes on day 13 of what could turn out to be the longest heatwave in history.

The mercury rocketed to 90F (32C) in Northolt, London, yesterday – making it the hottest day of the year so far.

The Met Office upgraded a Level 2 heat health alert in the South-east to a more serious Level 3 and extended warnings around Britain.

The alerts are issued when thermometers are likely to breach 90F during the day and 64F at night for at least two days.

Although it is expected to cool off slightly towards the weekend, temperatures are expected to stay well above average.

Forecasters say there is no immediate end in sight with the UK set to sizzle at least until the end of the month – and possibly through August.

Netweather said Britain is gearing up for another scorching weekend with the extreme heat set to last into next week.

Sunbathers enjoying the hot weather in Hyde Park, central London

We are looking at all sorts of records being broken and for the time being there is no end in sight to this hot weather.

Jonathan Powell

Forecaster Nick Finnis said: “The heatwave currently hitting many parts looks to continue for another week at least.

“It is remaining largely dry, sunny and very warm on Friday and over the weekend with just an outside chance of catching a thundery shower in the west during the afternoons.”

Jonathan Powell, forecaster for Vantage Weather Services, said Britain could see the longest heatwave on record.

He said: “We are looking at all sorts of records being broken and for the time being there is no end in sight to this hot weather.

“It is also going to stay very dry and we could be looking at the driest July with the record for the longest heatwave also under threat.” The extreme weather has sparked warnings from officials to the elderly and vulnerable to take extra care in the extreme heat.

People on the beach in Broadstairs, Kent, as the hot weather continues across the country

There are fears Britain could be facing a similar death toll to the killer heatwave of 2003 when 2,000 people lost their lives.

National Federation of Occupational Pensioners (NFOP) has emphasised the need to take care of people who may be at risk.

Spokeswoman Saskia Welman said: “NFOP hopes that healthcare agencies are doing all they can to ensure that those vulnerable to the risk have been well informed on the best course of action to prevent any heat-related medical emergencies.

“In previous years, sudden heatwaves have resulted in the death of more than 2,000 pensioners and it is imperative that older people take great care of their health during this extremely hot weather.”

Joe Mulligan, head of first aid education at the British Red Cross, said: “It is difficult to predict, but based on previous years deaths during this hot spell could run into the thousands. It is important to drink at least half a glass of water every 15 minutes and stay indoors and take advantage of air-conditioned buildings.”

Professor Virginia Murray, of Public Health England, said: “Deaths quickly follow after one to two days of a heatwave, making it essential to have plans in place.”

James Madden, forecaster for Exacta Weather, said: “The prolonged spell of warm weather is set to continue this week and into the early part of next week, with very little in the way of rainfall across the country.

“We are now set for another scorching and third successive weekend of high temperatures and strong sunshine.”